Commencement

In a message to the Mount Holyoke community, President Sonya Stephens shared that the College has made the difficult decision to postpone Commencement.

This page provides an example of Mount Holyoke’s Commencement events and traditions. It will be updated once the 183rd Commencement celebration has been announced.

Schedules
Get a run-down of all that’s happening on campus.
Commencement Tickets
Find out where and when you can pick up tickets for the commencement ceremony.
Commencement Weekend Dining
Peruse our commencement menus and get instructions on how to purchase meal tickets.
Accessibility and Accommodation
Discover what resources are available for guests who have a physical disability or other special need that requires accommodation.
Language Translation
Fill out a request for one or more translation headsets for use at the Commencement ceremony.
Items for Purchase
Learn more about where you can buy photography, announcements, and other memorabilia.
FAQ
Get answers to the questions that most seniors—and their families—have.
Events for Graduate Students
See the schedule of Commencement week events for graduate students.
Montage photo of several seniors from the class of 2020

Introducing the graduates of 2020

The newest almost-alums of Mount Holyoke College are smart, passionate, curious, flexible, accomplished. Read a few of their stories.
Photo of students marching in the Laurel Parade

Commencement Traditions

The days preceding Commencement are especially alive with tradition. See what’s in store!
this is a photograph of Mount Holyoke students participating in the annual Laurel Parade.

The Laurel Parade

This moving ritual, which takes place during commencement weekend, marks the transition from MHC student to MHC alumna.
Image of the four MHC class symbols

Class Colors and Symbols

A tradition since the early 1900s, classes use a color and symbol to identify themselves at class-related activities including Convocation.
Photo of Stella Elwood ’19

My Mount “Holy Oak” ride

From reluctance (to tour the campus) to exuberance (to start at her dream vet school), Stella Elwood ’19 reflects on her Mount Holyoke journey.
This is a photo of the class of 2019, in gowns and caps, as they prepare to Commence.

The class of 2019 caps off its achievements

The graduates at Mount Holyoke’s 182nd Commencement were urged to speak up, speak out and work together to make the world a better place.